Hockeyroos Olympic squad announced

Hockeyroos Aleisha Power, left, and Penny Squibb, right, are two new Western Australian inclusions to the Hockeyroos squad.

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After an intense 10-day period that was the Super Camp, the Hockeyroos 25-player squad heading towards the 2021 Tokyo Olympics has been announced.

Selection into the squad sees the players have the opportunity to fight for a spot in the 16-player team that will head to Tokyo next July to represent the country.

Hockey WA would like to congratulate the following Western Australian athletes selected for the Hockeyroos squad:

Hockeyroos

Aleisha Power (GK) - Victoria Park Xavier Hockey Club

Karri Somerville - Victoria Park Xavier Hockey Club

Penny Squibb - Curtin University Hockey Club

Georgia WIlson - Victoria Park Xavier Hockey Club

It's the first time since 2013 that the Hockeyroos squad has had such a significant amount of Western Australian representation (4), showcasing the bright young talent that the state has to offer.

Hockeyroo mainstays Georgia Wilson and Karri Somerville retain their spots in the side after a competitive Super Camp, and look forward to continuing their push towards a spot on the flight to Tokyo.

Goalkeeper Aleisha Power makes her case for selection, headlining an injection of youth into the squad, replacing Hockeyroo stalwart Rachael Lynch in goal.

Penny Squibb also makes a return to the squad after a period of absence, with a sensational Super Camp run giving selectors no other option but to give her a final spot in the team.

Speaking on the squad selection, Hockeyroos head coach Paul Gaudoin said, "This squad includes some of the most exciting and talented young players in world hockey and gives us a fantastic blend of youth and experience."

Gaudoin had high praise for WA defender Penny Squibb, stating "Penny (Squibb) has also shown marked improvement this year and will push our other defenders to push the bar even higher."

The praise continued for up and coming star keeper Aleisha Power, with Gaudoin saying "Aleisha is an extremely talented goalkeeper who has matured a lot in the last 18 months through her willingness to learn and improve."

Due to the impact of COVID and the inability of some athletes to attend the last month's national selection camp, the selection panel has named 25 athletes with the option of filling the full quote of 27 in the first quarter of 2021.

HOCKEYROOS 2021 SQUAD